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Modern travelers are growing increasingly aware
of the
effects
of ecotourism—some of which
have
negatively
impacted
both local cultures and the environment
as a whole.
Responsible
tourism calls attention to the fact that most
tourism simply is not
responsible: locals
are exploited;
natural
or cultural resources are treated with
disrespect.
Treating
others with the same respect we would ask for in
our own communities is the basis of responsible
travel. While the tourism industry has long
touted "exotic destinations",
we are,
in fact,
entering someone else's home. Responsible
travel and ecotourism are two of the
cornerstones of local, regional, national, and
international sustainable development.
Travelers play a pivotal role, whether we are
independent or part of a group tour.
As
we rethink and re-imagine tourism, we are
redefining the traditional guest-host
relationship as an activity that motivates new
eco-friendly, people-friendly action.
Travel Talk strongly believes in responsible
tourism,
and has promoted it right from the start. We
aim to minimize
the
negative environmental impacts of the travel
business, and make positive contributions to the
conservation of biodiversity, and natural and
human heritage. We also believe in tourism that
respects culture and traditions,
and fosters greater understanding between
travelers and hosts:
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ÜPeople
who work for Travel Talk are treated
fairly and paid a fair wage, including
the local suppliers at the tour
destinations. |
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ÜWe
respect (and
regularly update our knowledge of)
the customs, habits, and culture of the
destinations we are visiting to ensure
that we do not offend locals. |
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ÜWe
try to minimize our impact on the
environment by off-setting our carbon
emissions and reducing waste. We train
our local staff to understand and put
into practice our policies of
responsible tourism. |
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ÜWe
make sure that local people benefit
economically from tourism by employing
them as tour leaders and guides, and
using local restaurants and hotels
rather than international chains. |
As well as operating responsibly, Travel Talk
supports a variety of charitable projects in
Turkey. Below are just a few examples of
projects Travel Talk currently supports in
conjunction with different foundations:
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Supporting reforestation, carbon
sequestration and biodiversity
protection projects in areas subject to
erosion in Turkey, in order to regain
the green cover, wild life, and
ecological balance. Travel Talk
supports Tema, “the
Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion,
for Reforestation and the Protection of
Natural Habitats”. The foundation has
planted 2.2
million saplings over an area of 2.350
hectares under 25 different
reforestation projects through the
sponsorship of individuals and companies,
including Travel Talk. Please click to
learn more about the activities of Tema
:
http://english.tema.org.tr/index.htm
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Sponsoring Losev, “the Foundation for
Children with Leukemia”, in providing
educational and emotional support,
financial assistance, and health
services for the children in Turkey who
have Leukemia or other chronic blood
disorders, to help them cope with the
illnesses
that threaten their lives.
Through Losev, our mission is to give
education at
an
international level about acquired and
inherited blood diseases, to set up and
operate research institutions. Please
click to learn more about Losev :
http://www.losev.org.tr/english/index.html
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We believe that nature and culture are
fundamentally interrelated with all
aspects of a human being’s existence and
identity. That’s why we support Cekul,
“the Foundation for the Promotion and
Protection of the Environment and
Cultural Heritage”. This foundation
strives to foster and build a
nation-wide awareness
of
and social network
for the preservation of Turkey’s
environmental resources and cultural
heritage. Please click the following
link to learn about Cekul :
http://www.cekulvakfi.org.tr/icerik/content.asp?sayfaID=55
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For more information about our responsible
travel policies and the travelers tips to see
what you can do, please check out & download the
below links :
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